COLUMN: 100 Moms – Instincts

Megan is a day care provider, and a new mom. She was sent my way, with high regards and is known to be a great example of motherhood. She was happy to contribute a few thoughts.

Overall, Megan highlights moms’ intuition. She is a big fan of trusting yourself, and wanted to pass along her thoughts on that.

Megan, “My biggest tip is to follow your instinct. There will be lots of “helpful” people willing to offer their two cents. No one will know your child better than you do. If your gut is telling you something will work, it most likely will.” Tip #1

Megan, like many moms, advises trusting ourselves, our “guts,” instincts. Advice can be so confusing, especially when input ranges from popular opinion, generational perspectives and a plethora of both pseudo and actual expertise. Simple and complex issues can be simplified, or complicated, depending on the flavour of the day, the source, and the delivery.

For example, many debate co-sleep or don’t, breast feed or don’t, soothers or don’t, organic or homemade, or don’t. The spectrums run far and wide, and judgments fast and furious.

As for me, I didn’t really know myself, or my “guts.” I had no confidence, and little judgment. Some sources were unreliable, and well … practical education, scarce to say the least. Nothing seemed to come natural for me. I still don’t understand maternal instincts.

Luckily, I did have the capacity to do some research. I did a lot of it! I worked to find credible, professional support, and to build a strong network of moms and helpers along the way. Thankfully, I had some people who cared.

I was guided to resources and experts. I attended weekly counselling for a long, long time. I went to libraries, resource centres and then back to school. I learned new things in university and accepted advice from others. I watched videos, sought solutions and remained focused.

Of course, I did have to make my own choices. I employed willingness, effort and the advice of others. One treasured piece of advice was, “If you make your decisions with Michael’s best interest in mind, you won’t go wrong.” ~ Ann Marie Sampson

I hope we can all find sources we trust in moments of uncertainty. In the absence of support, that treasured tip from my Mom will provide an anchor in any storm of indecision. My love and devotion for Michael has always moved me in the best direction. (Maybe that is my “gut?”)

Next week, my dear friend, Joyce on choosing our children’s friends.

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